Of late, thieves and child lifters have spread a reign of terror in Sambalpur town. People of different parts alleged that they see unknown people loiter during late hours of night and even during day time.
Some of them are even seen with mask covered faces, the denizens said. Even some women are involved in these activities, the residents maintained. And, to get rid of the thugs, people here have decided for self protection rather than take police help. They are also keeping vigil all through the night with sticks, swords, and other traditional weapons to face the situation and unwanted elements.
“Because the presence of police and police patrolling is totally invisible, and the unsocial elements are ruling the roosts, we have taken such a step,” said a student of lR law College living near the Sambalpur station area. “Many things happen near the station and the nearby areas, but hardly do police take any action,” he said further.
This also adds to the worries of the local police as they are yet to win the confidence of the people. While people allege the presence of such elements in the town, police termed it as mere rumour. Police also clarified in a media conference here that only rumours are going on in the town by the mischief mongers.
“There is no truth behind such allegations,” clarified ASP Sushil Kumar Panigrahi.
But some women of Danipali said, “A man with mask came during the day time and tried to lift my child from the house. When I shouted, people rushed in and the man managed to escape in the broad day light,” she alleged.
The police have detained a few women with suspicious movement in the town. But detail investigation about them is going on in the town police station,” informed ASP Panigrahi.